MALARIA

MALARIA An infection

Basics:

An infection caused by parasites Female anopheles mosquitos act as vectors They transfer this infection from one person to

another Majorly affected cells are RED BLOOD CELLS Mostly seen in tropic and sub-tropic regions Infection spreads during moist and humid times

like rainy season

Types:

There are 5 types of malaria depending on the type of Plasmodium

1. P.falciparum

2. P.ovale

3. P.vivax

4. P.malariae

5.  Plasmodium knowlesi (rare)

Symptoms:

Shaking chills Fever Headache Anemia Sweating Vomiting Muscle pains

Causes:DIRECT METHODS: A mosquito bites an infected person and gets infected This mosquito bites another uninfected person and

transfers the infection

INDIRECT METHODS: o Mother to fetus transmissiono Using infected needleso Through blood transfusions

Other complications:

There are other complications caused because of MALARIA BLACKWATER FEVER : release of haemoglobin

into the urine ANAEMIA : rupture of RED BLOOD CELLS KIDNEY FAILURE : because of haemoglobin

going through kidneys

Rupture of RED BLOOD CELLS

Diagnosis:

Blood tests can show if you have been infected by malarial parasites and help in your treatment by determiningo Whether you have malariao What type of malariao If your vital organs have been affected by

malaria

Prevention better than cure

USING NETS: bed nets especially those sprayed with insecticides are helpful

SPRAYING: spraying mosquito repellents or insecticides can keep mosquitos away

Sterile needles: making sure your doctor uses sterile needles

Cleanliness: keep your surroundings clean. Mosquitos wont breed there.

Facts about malaria The CDC estimates that there are 300-500

million cases of malaria each year, and more than 1 million people die from it.

In some areas of the world, mosquitoes that carry malaria have developed resistance to insecticides.

Parasites have developed resistance to some antibiotics.

Malaria, especially Falciparum malaria, is a medical emergency that requires a hospital stay.

In India..